Abstract
Background
Pediatric primary healthcare providers are well-positioned to provide healthy lifestyle and weight management related counseling but many lack training in evidence-based messages and methods.
Objectives
We assessed the impact of a brief, easy-to-access training for pediatric healthcare providers (Strong4Life Provider Training) designed to introduce/review current evidence-based messages and methods and improve healthy weight-related assessment and counseling practices.
Methods
Following their well-child visit, a convenience sample of children 12-17 years or parents of children 6-11 years (N=121) of randomly selected pediatricians were administered a survey designed to assess the frequency, content, and patient satisfaction with weight management-related counseling provided. Results from patients of trained (> 6 month prior) (N=15) vs. untrained (N=15) pediatricians were compared using chi-square tests. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for lack of independence among respondents from the same practice.
Results
Parents/patients of trained (N=62) pediatrician were more likely than those of an untrained pediatrician (N=59) to report having been asked about child’s consumption of fruit/vegetables, 57 (92%) vs. 44 (75%), p=0.04 and sugary drinks, 50 (81%) vs. 29 (49%), p=0.005, and their readiness for behavior change, 47 (76%) vs. 29 (49%), p=0.005, and to set a behavior change goal, 36 (59%) vs. 23 (40%), p=0.005. Regardless of training status, physical activity, screen time, and weight status were assessed for most patients, and most were satisfied with the discussion. Few (21%) were asked about barriers to behavior change.
Conclusion
Study findings suggest that participation in a brief training on current evidence-based methods and messages may improve pediatricians’ weight-related counseling practices.
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